There may be a time when you can no longer make decisions about your care or communicate what you think. This may be because of an age-related decline in health, or because of a sudden illness or accident. It is impossible to know what the future has in store, but by assigning someone you trust to have Lasting Powers of Attorney you can have some element of control. Health and welfare LPAs will only act if you do not have capacity. So long as you’re able to make informed decisions, yours will be the only opinion doctors and healthcare professionals will take into account when treating you.
The role of a Health and Welfare LPA is to make decisions on your behalf if you no longer have the capacity to understand the information about your health or to understand the consequences of your choices. An important factor to consider when appointing an LPA is timescale. If your health is already declining, you need to be aware that an LPA may not be able to make decisions on your behalf until eight weeks’ time, after their registration with the Office of the Public Guardian validates their authority. It may be important to put other safeguards, such as an Advance Decision, in place too.
Our private client team in Bishop Auckland, Crook and Shildon will help you put a legally binding document in place that affords a loved one, family member or trusted professional the ability to ensure you’re well cared for – including everything from consenting to or refusing particular medical treatments, to making decisions about your diet, routine, dress and ongoing care. Call Smith Roddam Solicitors to discuss your future-proof needs on 01388 881 611.